Shaanxi Holidays Guide
China, East Asia
Xi’an is an attractive destination for many reasons. It is one of the major destination points of the Silk Road – and there’s a fair chance you’ll begin or end your journey here. It’s the home of the famous Terracotta Warriors, which were discovered in a cave close to the city. Xi’an is an easy overnight train trip from Beijing. Elsewhere in the region, you’ll find much else to discover. The Great Wall wends its way through the territory, and you can visit stretches that are quieter than the ones seen day trips from Beijing. There are beautiful national parks, temples, thriving cities and much more.
Map of Central China Asia
Shaanxi – Regions or Cities to Visit
Shaanxi Holidays Planner
Once you’ve seen the walls, market and the other sights of Xi’an, you’ll have a dilemma as to do what to next. Xi’an is capital of Shaanxi Province, which has numerous other sights. You can head to the Great Wall – Yulin and Shenmu were both once garrison towns, and you can see sections of the wall from here – Yulin also has temples and is close to a large guard tower. Yan’an is a must-visit site for those interested in more recent Chinese history. It was here that the Chinese Revolution began, and is a place of pilgrimage for Communists.
Sichuan-Baiyun Temple
Highlights and Icons
If you’re interested in hiking or religion, then you should visit one of the National Parks in Shaanxi Province. Huangdiling National Park is the location of the Mausoleum of the Yellow Emporer, a semi-mythical leader who played a large part in founding the Chinese nation. Shanxi Province, rather confusingly, is next to Shaanxi Province. Come here to see the ancient city of Pingyao has temples, walls and a market – the old town is a fantastic place to spend a day wandering. Datong has the ‘Hanging Monastery’ which is perched precariously on the side of a cliff, as well as the Yungang Grottoes, which are filled with Buddhist statues. Wutaishan National Park is also important to Buddhists, who visit the five sacred mountains and temples. You can get around the region by bus, train, or by using internal flights.
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